Employment Law and Blogging about the Workplace

With all of the social media outlets, it's bound that some frustrated employees may blog about their workplace.  However, you need to be careful if you're thinking of posting your feelings about your workplace on the internet.  If you live in an employment at-will state, your employer can terminate you for your posts, even if the posts are written after work hours.  Also, if living in an employment at-will state, your employer can terminate you for things that they deem inappropriate, i.e. inappropriate non-work related posts or pictures.  So, what's the solution to this?  Don't post about your work on the web, and use discretion when posting non-related work comments or pictures.

Are there any protections an employee may have against their employer taking action against them for internet posts?  Maybe.

1) If your internet post contains workplace complaints relating to FMLA, discrimination, a hostile work environment, wage and hour violations, you may be protected from your employer taking disciplinary action against you.

2) An employee who raises concerns about illegal activities or safety concerns at work be pay protected as a whistle blower. 

Also, some states now are enacting laws preventing employers from terminating employees based on their after-hour internet posts.

If you have a question or concern in regard to your rights in the workplace, contact Ambuter Law for your free case evaluation.